Superoxide anion generation and oxidative stress in methylmercury-induced endothelial toxicity in vitro.

Emerging evidence has pointed to mercury exposure as a risk factor for hypertension, atherosclerosis, myocardial infarction and coronary heart disease. However, the underlying mechanisms are not well understood. This study investigated potential toxic effects of low concentrations of methylmercury (MeHg) in cultured bovine aortic endothelial cells (BAECs) and the possible involvement of reactive species, particularly superoxide anion, in mediating such toxicity. MeHg treatment increased the oxidation of 2',7'-dichlorodihydrofluorescein diacetate (a general probe for reactive species) and dihydroethidium, a specific probe for superoxide anion. MeHg-induced 2',7'-dichlorodihydrofluorescein diacetate and dihydroethidium oxidations were significantly decreased by apocynin, an inhibitor of the enzyme NADPH oxidase, which represents a main source of superoxide anion in endothelial cells. MeHg treatment significantly disrupted mitochondrial membrane potential and this event was also reversed by apocynin. MeHg treatment also decreased glutathione levels and this event preceded glutathione peroxidase inhibition, which was observed only at 24h after treatment. These results indicate that MeHg induces oxidative stress in cultured BAECs and that this event is related to the production of superoxide anion. Moreover, the observed protective effects of apocynin in BAECs suggest the potential involvement of NADPH-oxidase in MeHg-induced endothelial dysfunction, which represents a pivotal event in most cardiovascular diseases.

Atheroprotective action of a modified organoselenium compound: in vitro evidence.

Oxidation of low-density lipoprotein (LDL) has been strongly suggested to play a significant role in the pathogenesis of atherosclerosis. Thus, reducing LDL oxidation is a potential approach to decrease the risk of the atherosclerosis. Organoselenium compounds have demonstrated promising atheroprotective properties in experimental models. Herein, we tested the in vitro atheroprotective capability of a modified organoselenium compound, Compound HBD, in protecting isolated LDL from oxidation as well as foam cells formation. Moreover, the glutathione peroxidase (GPx)-like activity of Compound HBD was analyzed in order to explore the mechanisms related to the above-mentioned protective effects. The Compound HBD in a concentration-dependent manner reduced the Cu2+-induced formation of conjugated dienes. The protein portion from LDL were also protected from Cu2+-induced oxidation. Furthermore, the Compound HBD efficiently decreased the foam cell formation in J774 macrophage cells exposed to oxidized LDL. We found that the atheroprotective effects of this compound can be, at least in part, related to its GPx-like activity. Our findings demonstrated an impressive effect of Compound HBD against LDL-induced toxicity, a further in vivo study to investigate in more detail the antioxidant and antiatherogenic effects of this compound could be considered.

Diphenyl diselenide protects endothelial cells against oxidized low density lipoprotein-induced injury: Involvement of mitochondrial function.

Elevated levels of oxidized low density lipoprotein (oxLDL) are considered to be one of the major risk factors for atherosclerosis and cardiovascular morbidity. The early stages of atherosclerosis are initiated by the accumulation of oxLDL and the induction of toxic effects on endothelial cells, resulting in endothelial dysfunction. The aim of this study was to investigate how diphenyl diselenide (DD), an organoselenium compound, protect vascular endothelial cells against the toxic effects of oxLDL in vitro. Our data showed that the treatment of bovine endothelial aortic cells (BAEC) with DD (0.1-1 µM) for 24 h protected from oxLDL-induced reactive species (RS) production and reduced glutathione (GSH) depletion. Moreover, DD (1 µM) per se improved the maximal mitochondrial respiratory capacity and prevented oxLDL-induced mitochondrial damage. In addition, DD could prevent apoptosis induced by oxLDL in BAEC. Results from this study may provide insight into a possible molecular mechanism underlying DD suppression of oxLDL-mediated vascular endothelial dysfunction.

Changes in ultrastructure and expression of steroidogenic factor-1 in ovaries of zebrafish Danio rerio exposed to glyphosate.

Glyphosate is a broad-spectrum organophosphate (OP) herbicide, highly soluble in water, and when applied in terrestrial systems it penetrates into soil, eventually reaching the aquatic community and affecting nontarget organisms. The aim of this study was to evaluate the toxicity of glyphosate on ovaries of zebrafish (Danio rerio). Ovaries (n = 18 per triplicate) were exposed to 65 µg/L of glyphosate [N-(phosphonomethyl) glycine] for 15 d. This concentration was determined according to Resolution 357/2005/CONAMA/Brazil, which establishes the permissible concentration of glyphosate in Brazilian inland waters. Nonexposed ovaries (n = 18 per triplicate) were used as control. Subsequently, morphology and expression of steroidogenic factor-1 (SF-1) of exposed and nonexposed ovaries was determined. No apparent changes were noted in general morphology of exposed and nonexposed ovaries. However, a significant increase in diameter of oocytes was observed after exposure to glyphosate. When ovarian ultrastructure was examined the presence of concentric membranes, appearing as myelin-like structures, associated with the external membranes of mitochondria and with yolk granules was found. After glyphosate exposure, immunohistochemistry and immunoblotting revealed greater expression of SF-1 in the oocytes, which suggests a relationship between oocyte growth and SF-1 expression. These subtle adverse effects of glyphosate on oocytes raised a potential concern for fish reproduction. These results contribute to understanding glyphosate-induced toxicity to nontarget organisms, showing subcellular and molecular impairments that may affect reproduction in +female fish.

Diphenyl diselenide administration enhances cortical mitochondrial number and activity by increasing hemeoxygenase type 1 content in a methylmercury-induced neurotoxicity mouse model.

Interest in biochemistry of organoselenium compound has increased in the last decades, mainly due to their chemical and biological activities. Here, we investigated the protective effect of diphenyl diselenide (PhSe)2 (5 µmol/kg), in a mouse model of methylmercury (MeHg)-induced brain toxicity. Swiss male mice were divided into four experimental groups: control, (PhSe)2 (5 µmol/kg, subcutaneous administration), MeHg (40 mg/L, in tap water), and MeHg + (PhSe)2. After the treatment (21 days), the animals were killed and the cerebral cortex was analyzed. Electron microscopy indicated an enlarged and fused mitochondria leading to a reduced number of organelles, in the MeHg-exposed mice. Furthermore, cortical creatine kinase activity, a sensitive mitochondrial oxidative stress sensor, was almost abolished by MeHg. Subcutaneous (PhSe)2 co-treatment rescued from MeHg-induced mitochondrial alterations. (PhSe)2 also behaved as an enhancer of mitochondrial biogenesis, by increasing cortical mitochondria content in mouse-receiving (PhSe)2 alone. Mechanistically, (PhSe)2 (1 µM; 24 h) would trigger the cytoprotective Nrf-2 pathway for activating target genes, since astroglial cells exposed to the chalcogen showed increased content of hemeoxygenase type 1, a sensitive marker of the activation of this via. Thus, it is proposed that the (PhSe)2-neuroprotective effect might be linked to its mitoprotective activity.

Diphenyl diselenide improves the antioxidant response via activation of the Nrf-2 pathway in macrophage cells.

Diphenyl diselenide [(PhSe)2] is an organoselenium compound that can mimic endogenous antioxidant enzymes, such as glutathione peroxidase (GPx), or be metabolized by thioredoxin reductase to form selenol intermediate, which can copy the function of the antioxidant selenoenzymes. This compound has shown potential role in preventing atherosclerosis and other oxidative stress-related diseases. The understanding of the underlying mechanism by which (PhSe)2 modulates the glutathione-related antioxidant defenses is a relevant question. Therefore, we tested its ability to promote the nuclear translocation of the nuclear factor (erythroid 2-like)-related factor 2 (Nrf-2), increasing the expression of enzymes related to the antioxidant system, such as heme oxygenase 1 (HO-1) and peroxiredoxin 1 (Prx-1), in addition to the main enzyme in the glutathione synthesis - gamma glutamylcysteine synthetase (?-GCS) - in murine J774 macrophage cells. (PhSe)2 (1µM) was able to promote nuclear translocation and increased the expression of the Nrf-2 factor in the nucleus in a time-dependent manner (1-24hours). In addition, this compound significantly increased the expression of HO-1 and Prx-1 at 24hours and GPx-1 after the first hour. Furthermore, (PhSe)2 was able to enhance GSH levels in a time-dependent manner, as well as GPx and GGCS activities. The increase in GPx and GGCS activities was dependent on the activation of PI3K, JNK, and p38MAPKs signaling pathways that may activate the Nrf2 factor. Altogether, these results show that (PhSe)2 improved the antioxidant defense by increasing the expression of HO-1 and Prx-1 and the synthesis of GSH as a consequence of the activation and nuclear translocation of Nrf-2 factor.

Diphenyl diselenide modulates oxLDL-induced cytotoxicity in macrophage by improving the redox signaling.

It has been reported that oxidized LDLs (oxLDL) are involved in the pathogenesis of atherosclerosis, and that macrophages as well as other cells of the arterial wall can oxidize LDL in vitro, depending on the balance between intracellular prooxidant generation and antioxidant defense efficiency. Because of their potential beneficial role in preventing atherosclerosis and other oxidative stress-related diseases, organoselenium compounds such as diphenyl diselenide (PhSe)2, are receiving increased attention. In the present work, we investigated the mechanisms underlying the protective effect exerted by (PhSe)2 on oxLDL-mediated effects in murine J774 macrophage-like cells. (PhSe)2 pretreatment reduced atherogenic signaling triggered by oxLDL in macrophages in vitro, namely: ROS generation, disturbance of NO homeostasis, activation of matrix metalloproteinase, foam cell formation, and mitochondrial dysfunction. Moreover, the redox signaling effects of (PhSe)2 presented herein were accompanied by a downregulation of NF-κB-binding activity. The relatively strong performance of (PhSe)2 makes it an ideal candidate for further, expanded trials as a new generation of antioxidants for preventing atherosclerotic lesion.

Disubstituted diaryl diselenides as potential atheroprotective compounds: Involvement of TrxR and GPx-like systems.

Oxidative modifications of low-density lipoproteins (LDLs) have a determinant role in atherogenesis and the study of agents that can modulate LDL oxidation is of pharmacological and therapeutic significance. Therefore, the aim of this study was to evaluate the antioxidant effect of the disubstituted diaryl diselenides, p-methoxyl-diphenyl diselenide (p-CH(3)O-C(6)H(4)Se)(2) (DM) and p-chloro-diphenyl diselenide (p-Cl-C(6)H(4)Se)(2) (DC), on Cu(2+)-induced LDL oxidation. Both compounds caused a dose-dependent inhibition of human serum and isolated LDL oxidation evidenced by the increasing of the lag phase of lipid peroxidation and decreased the lipid oxidation rate (V(max)). The protein moieties from isolated LDL were also protected from Cu(2+)-induced oxidation. Moreover, the disubstituted diaryl diselenides efficiently decreased the oxidized LDL (ox-LDL) induced foam cell formation in J774A.1 macrophage cells. Mechanistically, we have demonstrated that the antioxidant and antiatherogenic effects of DM and DC are related to formation of their selenol intermediates (RSeH) either by a direct reaction with endogenous thiols (GPx-like activity) or via their reduction by TrxR (using NADPH as electron donor). Considering the powerful effect of DM and DC against LDL-induced toxicity, they could be considered for developing of new therapeutic approaches to preventing and treating atherosclerosis and cardiovascular diseases.

Cardioprotective effects of a proanthocyanidin-rich fraction from Croton celtidifolius Baill: focus on atherosclerosis.

Proanthocyanidins are the most abundant polyphenols in human diets. Epidemiological studies have pointed to proanthocyanidins as promising molecules that could prevent the development of several coronary syndromes by inhibiting the atherogenic process. The present study was designed to investigate the antiatherogenic effects of a proanthocyanidin-rich fraction (PRF) obtained from Croton celtidifolius Baill (Euphorbiaceae) barks. In isolated human LDL, PRF caused a concentration-dependent inhibition of Cu2+-induced oxidative modifications, evidenced by the increasing of the lag phase of lipid peroxidation and decreasing in the oxidation rate (Vmax), moreover, the protein moieties from LDL were protected against Cu2+-induced oxidation. In human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs), PRF reduced the ROS production stimulated by oxidized LDL. Herein, we demonstrate that oral treatment with PRF improved endothelium-dependent vasorelaxation in hypercholesterolemic LDL receptor knockout mice (LDLr-/-), however, the fraction did not modify plasma lipids and atherosclerotic lesion size in this experimental model. Finally, our results showed for the first time that PRF prevent isolated LDL oxidation, decrease oxidative stress in endothelial cells and improve endothelial function in mice.

Diphenyl diselenide effectively reduces atherosclerotic lesions in LDLr -/- mice by attenuation of oxidative stress and inflammation.

Glutathione peroxidase (GPx) plays an important role in the antioxidant defense of the vascular wall, and its deficiency has been implicated in the development of atherosclerotic lesions. This study analyzed the potential of diphenyl diselenide (DD), a simple organoselenium compound with GPx-like activity, to reduce atherosclerosis. Herein, we demonstrate that oral treatment with low doses of DD potently reduced the formation of atherosclerotic lesion in hypercholesterolemic low-density lipoprotein (LDL) receptor knockout (LDLr -/-) mice. This reduction was accompanied by significantly improved endothelium-dependent vasorelaxation, lower nitrotyrosine and malondialdehyde levels, decrease in vessel-wall infiltration by inflammatory cells, and prevention of upregulation of the proatherogenic monocyte chemoattractant protein-1. Studies in J774 macrophage-like cells show that DD significantly decreased oxLDL-induced formation of foam cells and the generation of reactive oxygen species and inflammatory mediators. Our results reveal the antiatherogenic actions of DD by modulating intracellular signaling pathways related to antioxidant and anti-inflammatory responses.

Acute exposure of rabbits to diphenyl diselenide: a toxicological evaluation.

The simple organoselenium compound diphenyl diselenide (PhSe)(2) is a promising new pharmacological agent. However, few toxicological evaluations of this molecule have been reported. We evaluated the effects of acute administration of (PhSe)(2) on toxicological parameters in rabbits. Adult New Zealand rabbits were exposed to (PhSe)(2) (5-500 micromol kg(-1) , intraperitoneally) once a day for 5 days. Exposure to 500 micromol kg(-1) caused 85% mortality. Exposure to 50 micromol kg(-1) of (PhSe)(2) increased the glutathione levels in the hippocampus, kidney, heart, muscle and blood, whereas lipoperoxidation (TBARS) decreased in the cerebellum and kidney after exposure to 5 micromol kg(-1) . The activity of glutathione peroxidase increased in the heart and muscle of rabbits treated with 50 micromol kg(-1) of (PhSe)(2) and glutathione reductase activity was reduced in the cerebellum, cerebral cortex and kidney. Treatment with (PhSe)(2) reduced the activity of δ-aminolevulinate dehydratase in the hippocampus and increased this activity in the heart, but did not alter the activity of complexes I and II of the respiratory chain in the liver and brain. Hepatic and renal biochemical and histological parameters were not modified by (PhSe)(2) and apoptosis was not detected in these tissues; however, the hepatic cells tended to accumulate fat vacuoles. These results indicated that acute toxicology to (PhSe)(2) in rabbit is dependent on the dose, which should motivate further experiments on the therapeutic properties of this compound.

Oxidative stress-mediated inhibition of brain creatine kinase activity by methylmercury.

Methylmercury (MeHg), a potent neurotoxicant, easily passes through the blood-brain barrier and accumulates in brain causing severe irreversible damage. However, the underlying neurotoxic mechanisms elicited by MeHg are still not completed defined. In this study, we aimed to investigate the in vitro toxic effects elicited by crescent concentrations (0-1500 microM) of MeHg on creatine kinase (CK) activity, thiol content (NPSH) and protein carbonyl content (PCC) in mouse brain preparations. In addition, CK activity, MTT reduction and DCFH-DA oxidation (reactive oxygen species (ROS) formation) were also measured in C6 glioma cell linage. CK activity was severely reduced by MeHg treatment in mouse brain preparations. This inhibitory effect was positively correlated to the MeHg-induced reduction of NPSH levels and increment in PCC. Moreover, the positive correlation between brain CK activity and NPSH levels was observed at either 15 or 60 min of MeHg pre-incubation. In addition, MeHg-treated C6 cells showed also a significant inhibition of CK activity at MeHg concentrations, as low as, 50 microM in parallel to reduced mitochondrial function and increased ROS production. Taking together, these data demonstrate that MeHg severely affects CK activity, an essential enzyme for brain energy buffering to maintain cellular energy homeostasis. This effect appears to be mediated by oxidation of thiol groups that might cause subsequent oxidative stress.